The Firm Book 2: Deviant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 2

In my defense, this is all Brad’s fault.

I had one very important job: kidnap Brad.

I’ve never kidnapped someone before but how hard could it be? Find Brad. Snatch Brad. Deliver Brad to the very scary people who hold my fate in their hands.

So when a handsome, flirty stranger at the bar drops his name, I think my luck has finally turned. No chase. No fight. The man practically throws himself in my trunk, smiling like it’s a treat to be taken, like he wants me to have him.

The only problem? “Brad,” the charming and slightly unhinged man I’ve been keeping hostage for days, may be the most dangerous man of all.

Now I’m knee-deep in a life of crime I never signed up for. Tangled up with a man I never meant to take—and definitely never meant to fall for. And I’m staring down the barrel of a gun for mistakes I never should’ve made.

Because everyone knows The Firm never forgives a debt… and they always collect in blood.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232378273-deviant

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ansel is not a criminal. Okay, well he is a hacker, but that is it! Until he takes the wrong job with some very bad people. And the only way for his life to be spared is if he kidnaps someone named Brad. Can’t be that hard, right? Well, that is until he does in fact kidnap someone who says his name is Brad…but that’s not exactly the truth. Cade was just out looking for a hook up and when he thinks he has one, Ansel surprises him by the trap he set. And instead of coming clean that his name is not Brad, he decides to see where this goes. Ansel is definitely the worst kidnapper ever. Cade would know. He’s done that and more considering he is part of The Firm, but for the first time in a very long time, something has grabbed his attention. Someone. Doesn’t happy with Cade, not with his brand of psychopathy. He is a product of his environment thanks to dear old dad. But now that Cade has found interest, he isn’t letting go. So he’ll go on this ride and see where it takes him. And the more time he spends with Ansel, the more he knows that Ansel is his. He just needs to be a bit patient and wait for Ansel to get on the same page. And even once the air is cleared on who is who, Cade knows he needs to protect Ansel. But Ansel won’t put Cade in harms way. Not when he knows the people he was tangled with, won’t let it go. Can they find their way out of this mess? Oh man, these two. Cade had me cracking up this whole book. He’s obsessive when it comes to Ansel, but only in the best ways. Knowing deep down that Ansel is it for him, there is nothing he won’t do to protect him and show him that this thing between them can be so much more. And it was equally fun to see how baffled Ansel was but bit by bit he warmed up, realizing that there is something very special about Cade. I really loved getting to know these two and seeing them fall hard for one another. Even with the danger that came with it. Also, with big hints of who the next couple would be, I am super excited to see how that story plays out! Really enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait for the next book!

The Firm Book 1: Covenant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 1

The Firm can make any wish come true.

Money. A job promotion. Murder.

Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.

The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.

But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.

I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.

It was a path I swore I’d never walk.

Or so I thought.

When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.

I have no choice but to go to The Firm.

I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.

He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.

But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.

Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.

No, this is worse.

My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.

To give them what they asked for.

A marriage.

For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.

Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.

My rival.

The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.

The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.

But I won’t do it for me.

I’ll do it for Jackson.

For my brother, I’ll pay the price.

Even if it means condemning myself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230228134-covenant

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wyatt thought he had the life he wanted. Until everything came crashing down around him. When his little brother gets into an accident and that leaves him gravelly injured, he knows he will do whatever it takes to make sure he is okay. So after a year of struggling and realizing that he needs help, he does the one thing he thought he would never do. He puts in a request at The Firm. The boogeymen of their town, they are mysterious and are known for answering pleas. But at a price. And for Wyatt, he never expected his price. To marry the man that shattered his trust years ago. For a year, he’ll have to be Matthias’s husband. But how can be look at Matthias with love when all he feels is anger? But being around Matthias reminds him of how they used to be before the day Matthias disappeared from his life. And Matthias claims that Wyatt doesn’t know the truth about what happened that day that ruined everything. Wyatt can’t decide if he wants the truth or not. But he knows one day he’ll have to learn it. In the meantime he is trying to figure out how he went from believing he is straight to being attracted to Matthias. Was he always attracted to guys? Or is it just his former best friend? There are a lot of secrets and answers Wyatt needs, but is he willing to find out and risk another broken heart? I really loved this story! Matthias and Wyatt have been through a lot. And you just wanted them to be happy and together after so many years apart. Especially when you learn the truth about Matthias and what happened in their past. These two have just been through so much. Their happy ending is one they have to fight for every day to get to the point where all cards are on the table and their past set to rest. The journey there is a great one! I’m definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!

Cruel Fates Book 2: Once Written in Gilded Blood by KM Moronova

 

Cruel Fates Book 2

Love is the sharpest weapon of all….

Born with gilded blood, Alira is a demigod knight forged for war - her rare gift makes her both priceless and disposable in the eyes of the gods she serves. When centuries of bloodshed threaten to consume the world, she is sent into a political marriage with Kalel Lornhelm, the infamous Blood Knight and demon commander of Devicit.

Devicit is a kingdom of beauty and terror, hidden behind a shimmering magical veil. As Alira is drawn into demon life, mistrust slowly gives way to desire, and Alira learns that Kalel has been bound to her fate far longer than she ever knew.

But beneath the city’s splendour lies a devastating secret. As gods rise, war reignites, and the systems that shaped them both demand blood once more, Alira and Kalel must confront the cost of peace….

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239829534-once-written-in-gilded-blood

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A great end to this duology! The end of the last book left us off with some major reveals. Kalel has many secrets and the day they are revealed is coming closer and closer. He knows he must tell Alira the truth before he loses her for good. But none are easy and none may end with forgiveness. The most pressing secret is the fact that her sacrifice was for nothing. A marriage between them should have ended the war. But neither kings want that to truly happen. And it is only a matter of time before Alira finds out. Alira knows Kalel is keeping secrets and with every little thing that happens, she knows she must find out the truth. Their love for one another is unexpected and wonderful and it is also the thing that will bring them the most pain. But if they want peace, sacrifices must be made. I really enjoyed the conclusion to this series! These two have been through so, so much. By others and by their own hands and they just deserved a happy ending after everything. But first they have to face one another and lay everything bare. Not easy. But by the end, they have more than earned their peace. You definitely don’t want to miss the conclusion of this story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cruel Fates Book 1: Once Upon a Demon’s Heart by KM Moronova

 

Cruel Fates Book 1

This is no fairytale—It’s yearning and guilt of two burdened hearts that will leave readers breathless.

Alira, a devoted demigod knight, has found herself trapped in the throes of a brutal curse. A time loop in which the demon kingdom’s Blood Knight kills her every time. She is haunted by the attack she led on the innocent village of Thornhall, and her guilt consumes her from the inside out. After the twentieth time loop, she has finally had enough. Something has to change, lest she die at the Blood Knight’s hand for the rest of time. A choice she hopes she won’t regret—one to end the war between demigods and demons. Alira is shocked when she realizes that she’s marrying the very knight who has slain her so many times.

A daughter of Venus and a duke of demons. Their love is both cursed and destined—a marriage to save the fragility of their kingdoms.

Kalel is as cruel as they come. A devourer who survives on the gilded blood of demigods. He wants to hate her as much as he did when Thornhall fell, but he finds himself warring with his heart over his emotions for her. Together, they unravel the truths of Faultore, that perhaps not everything is as it seems. The gods may be pulling more strings than they should.

It’s not a question of what love can conquer; it is a matter of what they are prepared to demolish in the path of it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239829563-once-upon-a-demon-s-heart

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alira is stuck in a time loop. And it ends the same every single time. Her death by the hands of the Blood Knight. No matter what she does, he finds her and kills her in the end. Ands she is just exhausted. The last time it happens, she decides it’s time for a new tactic. To run. Staying in her kingdom of demigods and their war against demons is exhausting and every time she spills blood, it hurts her more and more. But as she leaves she comes across someone and the conversation she has with him reminds her there is in fact one things he has yet to try. There was a decree that peace could be made if there is a union between the demigods and the demons. Alira has kept her bloodline hidden but by revealing it, no one will deny her request that she be the one to marry a demon and end the war. She will make the sacrifice. She just never expects that when they accept, it will bet the Blood Knight to answer the call. Or that he was the stranger she had met that made her decision to go down this path. But she will endure. She will bring peace. Even if it means marrying Kalel. This is such a fascinating new fantasy world! Demigods and demons were such an interesting mix. And a time loop curse? Even more so. I really enjoyed this first book and getting to know Alira and Kalel and this world. And that ending? Super glad I have the next book ready for me to read because I definitely need to know what happens next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Toronto Thunder Book 4: Thunderstruck by Beth Bolden

 

Toronto Thunder Book 4

When Lane realizes he’s attracted to his straight stepbro, he’s absolutely thunderstruck . . .

It’s not the worst day of Lane’s life when his team, the Toronto Thunder, drafts his baby stepbro, Trevor, but it’s close.

No. The worst day was when his mom married Trevor’s dad. Trevor’s just too good, too naïve, too sheltered. Too hot.

Lane might claim he wants nothing to do with him, but that’s the worst delusion of all. He’s always wanted everything to do with Trevor. Even when they have zero in common. Even when Trevor’s always been on the straight and narrow. Literally.

Lane’s the total opposite. He’s walked—and danced and sashayed—to the beat of his own drum, forever. Mentoring Trevor now that they’re on the same team? Sounds like his idea of hell—and heaven, too. There’s a reason their teammates call them the demon twins.

But with the final few games of the season and the Thunders’ playoff run looming, Lane’s self-control is weaker than ever. Especially when Trevor confesses that he’s been thinking about it, too.

Suggesting Trevor experiment with their mutual attraction would be a terrible idea, but Lane’s had worse, and that’s never stopped him before.

And when it becomes way more than just sex? When Trevor becomes the first guy he wants to see in the mornings and the last thing before he goes to bed at night? When they’re so completely entangled together that he couldn’t get free, even if he wanted to?

That’s a special kind of thunder.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241985713-thunderstruck

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

At eighteen, Lane never would have imagined the guy he was crushing on would be the son of his mom’s current and very serious boyfriend. From the moment he saw how happy his mom was and that her boyfriend may be an actual good guy, he knew he could never act on his feelings for Trevor. Or tell him or anyone that there are feelings at all. So he spent the next six years refusing to call Trevor “brother” or being around much at home to avoid it, hoping his feelings would go away. But when Trevor is drafted to the Toronto Thunder with Lane, well, he can’t decide if this is the best or the worst thing to ever happen. Scratch that, learning that Trevor may be into guys and wanting to explore that may be what kills Lane. Especially when Lane volunteers himself. Trevor has never understood why Lane has been so distant with him. And moving in with him when was drafted didn’t seem like a great idea. But spending months slowly getting to know one another, helped bring them a bit closer. Though Trevor can still see Lane’s walls are very much still up. But when Trevor is realizing he may be into guys and says something to Lane, he can’t help but feel deep down that maybe Lane can help. And then Trevor’s eyes are open to Lane for the first time. Because he now is truly getting to see and know Lane and that may be the best thing that has ever happened. I loved these two! Oh man, poor Lane has been torturing himself for years trying to get over his feelings for Trevor and just never succeeding. It was so great he finally had a chance to do something about it and even more amazing for him to admit what has been going on with him for so long. He definitely deserved a nice happy ending. I loved how their relationship developed in this story. They slowly broke down one another’s walls and it showed that those gut feelings they had for one another since they met were proven right. Great story all around! And I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Devon Falls Book 4: Found in the Falls by JE Birk

 

Devon Falls Book 4

After Dr. Milo Warner saves me from humiliation in a hotel hallway, I can’t stop thinking about him. When I get the chance to hide from my problems and open a community center with Milo in a small town called Devon Falls, I take that opportunity and run. But now things between the two of us are heating up fast. Milo protects me from runaway gondolas, takes care of me when I’m injured, shields me from my trauma, and sees power and strength in me that no one else ever has. We keep making jokes about the two of us being the perfect alpha/omega pair, but honestly? I’m not joking.

The problem is that it’s becoming more and more likely our parents will soon run against each other in a high-profile political primary race. Milo and I have both been burned by the public spotlight before, and we understand the dangerous territory we’re wading into. When we uncover a secret that’s been kept from our parents, one thing becomes clear: Milo and I will both need to take some big risks if we plan to fight for each other.

Found in the Falls comes with an older doctor who struggles to suppress his protective side, a younger social worker who just wants to make the world better, a sweet rescue dog they accidentally adopt together, and the Devon Falls found family they both desperately need. This is the fourth book in the Devon Falls series, but it can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235733447-found-in-the-falls

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I love being back in Devon Falls! Another great story in this series. This time it is Milo and Noah’s story! Noah hasn’t had it easy. Losing his mom in the way he did when he was a kid has left his scars. But he was raised by his uncle who loves him deeply. And who, unfortunately for Noah, has a high profile political career. Being in the spotlight is the worst place for Noah to be but he knows his uncle does good work. Though his advisor is unkind and harsh with Noah. Which Milo catches when him and Noah run into one another. Milo rises to Noah’s defense. And with Milo’s own mom in politics, he gets it. It starts a friendship between them. And when Noah needs to get away, Milo offers Devon Falls as an escape. Working at the new community center that is being developed in Devon Falls is great for Noah. And it gives Milo and Noah a chance to get to know one another better…and explore the sparks between them. They are exactly what one another needs. They have great chemistry and the dynamic between them works so well with them. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall hard for one another. I also loved seeing our other favorite characters from this series and what they have been up to. And even more, looks like we have a new character who will be getting their book next! So happy to see this series continue and can’t wait for the next love story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Van Doren Book 8: Kairo by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 8

Every heart hides something.

He walks into my office like he has a right to be here. Unfazed and unbothered by my sharp words and thorny exterior, Malcolm challenges everything I know. Somehow, he breaks down my walls and I’m laid bare before him. 

There’s nothing more terrifying than exposing my vulnerability so when I force him out of my life to protect my heart, I realize there are some things that being a Van Doren alone can’t fix.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250436343-kairo

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Kairo’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to his story for a while. Kairo has come off as prickly and a jerk through a lot of eyes. Though in recent books, it looked like everyone was starting to realize something. That he isn’t what he appears. And he may be hiding who he is behind a very tall wall. But no one has been successful getting past his defenses. Until Malcolm. Malcolm is a survivor of a very messed up game. He owes the Van Dorens for getting him out of there and they’ve helped him give him a new purpose. So when Jalon asks Malcolm to go to Chicago and see if he can help Kairo a bit, he goes. But mostly because he is very curious about Kairo himself. He may have heard different things about Kairo, but he won’t judge until he gets there. And to his surprise and delight, Kairo feels like his. Now to prove it to him. To earn his trust and show him that Malcolm sees everything he is hiding about himself. And that Malcolm can take care of him, be there for him… if he lets him. I loved this story! It was so great to finally know more about Kairo and see the big heart he desperately hides. And Malcolm is absolutely perfect for him. This was just a great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.